The attractions offered by the Pakistani pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 have succeeded in securing pledges in writing for foreign investment worth $8 billion by the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Reportedly, over 40 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed at Expo 2020 Dubai. The largest global gathering of 190 countries provided the KP government a chance to put on display its arts, crafts and make presentations about investment areas in resource-rich province of KP. Tourism potential and cultural magnificence of the country were the salient features among other attractions that influenced a large number of foreign investors. Foreign firms and investors expressed their keen interest in various projects in tourism, industrial, infrastructure, food processing, livestock, energy and power sectors, and a water sports theme park in KP’s Swabi district.
There is a need to search for more similar opportunities to exploit the real potential of the country reeling under a severe financial crisis. There is a no dearth of opportunities for investors to make good use of their wealth by promoting their business in various sectors. Arguably, this is a first step towards attracting investment in the country. Pakistan needs to tap these opportunities by proper follow up. Only the signing of MoUs is not enough, taking concrete steps to bringing these investors to Pakistan would be the real big achievement. In the current age, the business scenario is changing at a rapid pace. The world has turned into a global digital village, where contacts are being developed worldwide. Different cultures and communities are intermingling and remain in search of places to live and make their fortunes. Pakistan offers ideal climate as it has all four seasons, rich natural resources with tourism attractions and vast industrial scope as well as it has a strategically important geographical location. However, this amalgam of resources has not been fully exploited yet. Government needs to fully take benefit of this potential and earn much needed foreign exchange. There is a need to create an atmosphere where no one feels hesitation to come and make an investment in the land of pure. Work needs to be done at a larger scale at the government level for formulating such policies that facilitate the business community in Pakistan and overseas.
